New Year’s Workplace Resolutions #2: Get More Exercise

What are your resolutions for 2009? I predicted the top 5 workplace resolutions based on the popularity of various topics on the blog. One of the most popular topics in 2008 was Corporate Wellness. There’s no time like the present so why wait to get fit? If you’re ready to jump on the healthy-employee bandwagon, here’s an interesting way to get started: the treadmill desk. We’ve written before about this fascinating workplace wellness concept.

Steelcase is trying to change that with its Walkstation treadmill desk. The Walkstation is, in a basic sense, a treadmill and an adjustable desk. Using this nifty tool, employees can walk while they type, talk on the phone, or review documents. Employees aren’t asked to jog while working, though. The treadmill runs at speeds of 0.3 – 2 mph.

Health doesn’t come cheap, though. A single Walkstation will set you back about $5,000. According to Steelcase, employers are buying single units to be shared among several employees, who can reserve the unit for small periods during the workday.

I have some thoughts of my own on this topic. For one, I would cherish the opportunity to move more through the day without sacrificing working time. It’s not the walking part, really, as much as it’s the idea of not sitting that I find attractive. Basically, anything that involves me not sitting would be of value.

I’m also in touch with the fact that I am just not that coordinated. The thought of me trying to walk on a treadmill in 4″ heels while typing an e-mail to opposing counsel is funny to me, even funnier to anyone who’s seen me try to walk and chew gum at the same time. I think it’s a disaster waiting to happen. So what would be my preferred alternative? Stay tuned to find out.

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